In affinity chromatography, the protein of interest is purified by its ability to bind a specific ligand that is immobilized on a chromatographic bead material (matrix).

Crude cell-lysates are incubated with such a matrix under conditions that ensure specific binding of the protein to the immobilized ligand. Other proteins that do not bind the immobilized ligand are washed through. Elution of the bound protein of interest can be achieved by changing the experimental conditions to favour desorption.

Jena Bioscience offers both Agarose and Magnetic Beads as matrix for different purification tasks.